Believe it or not, just four months ago my whole back end was paralyzed, and I had a real bad cherry eye to boot. But thanks to the awesome crew at BTRC, I’m running, jumping and causing all sorts of (adorable) chaos!
I’m just over 3 and a half years old and weigh about 25 lbs. I still have bursts of puppy energy, but my wise foster brother BT Magnus has taught me the joys of a good long nap too.
House training? Nailed it. I’ll bark or stand by the door when I need out. I can get a little too excited sometimes and might pee when new people arrive, so I always go out before visitors come, and I’m getting better every time.
At night, I love my crate – I go in happily and sleep soundly until morning. During the day, I prefer to be where the action is (aka wherever the humans are). Because of my past mobility issues, and because I like a good wrestle with Magnus, I haven’t been left uncrated when the humans go out. I might complain a little when you first ask me to go in the crate during the day, but I settle quickly once I realize it’s just another nap-portunity.
I’m a good eater (maybe a little too good – I had to go on a diet!). I’m on the right side of the scales now and willingly gobble up my two meals. All treats are good treats (I love my veggies!) and while anything on the floor is fair game, I always respect my foster brother’s bowl and only eat my own – even though he’s a slow poke.
As for car rides, I’m working on it. In my crate with a cover on I’m as quiet as a mouse. But buckled in the backseat without the crate? I’m learning, but sometimes I forget myself and bark with excitement. Loudly. I’m really trying to be a more relaxed passenger and less of a backseat driver.
Speaking of progress, I’m getting much better at the basics. Like I said, I do know my name, but when I hear commands like ‘come,’ well… in the words of Shania, sometimes it don’t impress me much (especially if I have a treat or if there’s a chance to play with the garden hose). And ‘sit’? I’ll get there – it might just take me a couple of tries if I’m really revved up.
Leash manners? I’m a great walker. I love going out, and while I do sniff like a regular guy, I don’t linger. I’ve got places to be. Clip the leash to my back and I might pull a bit, but when it’s tethered under my chin, I walk beautifully. I must be leashed at all times unless I’m in a fenced area because I will absolutely chase squirrels, birds, rabbits, or a leaf if it’s moving the right way.
I grew up around other dogs and some cats – you’ll catch me licking my paws and cleaning myself just like my feline friends. I tend to greet new dogs and humans a little… enthusiastically. Strangers are friends I haven’t met yet, in my opinion. I just need to learn to greet them without launching myself like a spring-loaded cannon.
Kids? I haven’t met any yet. I’m friendly and would probably adore them, but I might be a little too bouncy or clumsy for tiny ones. I’ve never snapped or bitten, but I’m still working on my treat-taking skills – let’s just say fingers are not always safe.
Physically, my biggest challenge is stairs. I can do the few steps to the backyard no problem, but I get carried up and down the main staircase because there are no carpet runners for traction. (Full disclosure: I might be milking this for the free lifts.) I also still slip on hardwood, but I’m getting stronger and more coordinated every day!
In summary, I’m super handsome, full of love for all living things, and I’m ready to be your absolute bestie ever! If you want to apply to be my BFF, click HERE!
Yours,
Brutus, esq.
BRUTUS • NEUTERED BOSTON TERRIER-FRENCH BULLDOG MIX • 3.5 YEARS •
31 LBS • DOGS YES • CATS YES • KIDS 10+ • FOSTERED IN TORONTO, ON
BTRC’S INVESTMENT IN BRUTUS’S CARE: $12,000.87
YOUR ADOPTION FEE: $ 650.00
APPLYING FOR BRUTUS (OR ANY BTRC DOG)?
When Brutus’s foster family took a little vacation, he stayed at Hotel Boone for a few days and the vibes were awesome! Boone brought the chill, and Brutus brought the excitement, and the two of them just worked.
They lounged, they walked, and they posed like models for the camera – they’re ridiculously handsome, don’t ya think?
Both boys are being fostered in Toronto, ON, and while Boone still has some vetting to complete, Brutus will be up for adoption soon, so stay tuned!
Nothing Stops Brutus!
When BTRC foster Brutus came to rescue, he couldn’t move his lower half. Today, he’s walking, tackling stairs and keeping his foster parents on their toes as he attempts to Superman leap off things! He’s made it very clear that “rest” is for suckers, and he, the tough boy he is, is anything but!
You might also notice that Brutus looks a little different, and that’s because he had his cherry eye repaired. He wore the cone like a true champion and didn’t let it stop him from exercising, playing, meeting new people, and being his goofy self. Brutus made recovery look pretty darn adorable.
Brutus is not a fan of swimming, but turn on the garden hose and you will see a black ball of fur attacking the stream like it personally offended him. No joke, he plunges in full force with the bitiest of bitey faces!
Always up to antics, his foster family has solved the mystery of Brutus’s new fresh scent. It turns out that he has a taste (literally) for lavender, and their backyard plant has seen better days. He also has an appreciation for dandelions, which his foster parents are more than happy to see disappear.
From paralyzed to playful – Brutus is proof that resilience can come with a whole lot of personality…and maybe some chewed plants.
Brutus is being fostered in Toronto, ON, and is not yet ready for adoption.
Committed to his treatment plan, Brutus’s foster parents take him on many excursions to improve his mobility. They now practice walking without his wheelchair for short distances, and he’s doing great!
Brutus, the opinionated lad he is, has complained that their outings lack pizzazz, and he’s been inquiring about all those delicious-smelling restaurants they walk by that seem to be so much fun for the humans inside. So, one day, he sauntered in and took a seat at the bar (on his foster dad’s lap, of course). To his delight, the bartender immediately pulled out a jar of treats! Brutus was impressed at how easy it was to milk snacks from perfect strangers, so he now has his eye on the ice cream shop next door.
While his foster family was on vacation, Brutus stayed in a temporary foster home and had a blast. The transition was smooth, and he’s proven to be resilient, adaptable, and unconditionally loving to everyone he meets. He enjoyed being spoiled as the only dog, but was overjoyed when he was reunited with his foster brother, Magnus. Brutus claims that his antics are best done with a drama-queen sidekick!
Brutus is scheduled to get his cherry eye repaired in July, and he’s a little concerned that a cone AND wheelchair might be overkill, as he’s heard minimalistic fashion is trendy right now. However, Magnus has assured him he can rock the “extra” look.
Brutus is being fostered in Toronto, ON, and is not ready for adoption.
Just a month ago, Brutus lost the use of his back legs and, as you can see, that’s not the case anymore!
After surgery, his foster parents worked with him on various physiotherapy activities, and Brutus was a star student right from day one. A special hardness supported his lower region, while his foster parents encouraged him to try to walk as he regained feeling in his legs.
He is now a patient at Niagara Canine Conditioning Centre, and their knowledge, diligence and care have made a HUGE difference in Brutus’s progress. They are a full-service physiotherapy and rehab facility, and because of their expertise, Brutus’s recovery is going amazingly well.
With a variety of activities and equipment to aid him in his rehabilitation, Brutus is quite pleased with all the action! When he saw the giant orange ball, he got very excited, but when his physiotherapist clarified that he would be doing core work, he was confused. Why would anyone stand on a ball when they could chase and destroy it? Regardless, Brutus was a great sport and obliged.
He did, however, try to file a formal complaint. During hydrotherapy, one of his ears got wet, and in protest, he tucked his legs up, refused to move them, and simply floated. He claimed that his legs were on strike until the conditions in the pool were more to his liking.
Brutus is getting back on his feet – and it’s all thanks to YOU! He still has a ways to go, but every step forward is a reminder of how much your positive thoughts and support make a real difference. ♥️
Brutus has big summer plans — and he’s not letting anything stop him!
He’s making progress every single day, slow and steady, with that determined, big heart. This week, he’ll check in with his neurologist, and we hope she’ll be as pleased as we are with how he is doing.
Thank you to everyone who’s donated so generously, sent well-wishes, or is rooting for this brave boy! Each and every one of you is a big part of his comeback story — and he couldn’t do it without you.
Brutus is being fostered in the GTA, and we’re not yet accepting adoption applications. He still has a way to go before he’s ready for his forever family. If you’d like to donate to his care, please visit www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/donate.
Thank you again for your continued support for Brutus, and all of the dogs in BTRC’s care.
Meet Brutus. A sweet, affectionate, and playful three-year-old.
When Brutus’s legs suddenly stopped working, his family surrendered him to a shelter, hoping he could get the medical care they simply couldn’t afford. But Brutus’s condition required highly specialized — and very expensive — treatment. That’s where BTRC came in.
We knew Brutus deserved a second chance, and we were determined to do everything we could to help him walk again. As soon as we shared his story and his need for a foster, our volunteers stepped up right away. His foster ‘mom and dad’ met his transport and rushed him to a veterinary specialty hospital for emergency care.
The next day Brutus underwent spinal surgery to remove material compressing his spine and to create a new pathway for spinal fluid. Recovery would take time — and the effects of the surgery wouldn’t be immediate. The hope was that his legs and back would start responding to stimuli, which would show that feeling was returning.
Brutus, true to his name, has proven to be a fighter. He’s remained happy, affectionate, and full of personality — and everyone at the hospital has commented on what a sweet boy he is. He does have a flair for the dramatic (we’ve been told even the gentlest touch on his back gets an Oscar-worthy reaction), but as a Boston-Frenchie mix, that tracks. While his theatrical responses might be a bit much, they’re actually amazing news — it means he can feel stimulation on his back and legs!
His foster family was originally told they’d need to learn how to manually express his bladder. They watched training videos, made plans for a hospital visit... and then came another surprise. Brutus began peeing on his own. He’s also showing some movement in his back legs!
This little guy is not giving up — and neither are we. Still, Brutus’s road to recovery won’t be easy. His future needs remain unclear, and his care will continue to be expensive. To date, his bill is at $11,480.26, and he’s not done yet.
If you’re in a position to help, please consider donating to support Brutus’s recovery.
Every single dollar brings him closer to standing on his own four feet again. ♥
www.bostonterrierrescuecanada.com/donate
Brutus is being fostered in the Greater Toronto Area and we are not yet accepting adoption inquiries.
